Joseph B. Ebbesen Papers (DeKalb)

Collection

Identifier: RHC-RC-168

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Ebbesen Papers span the years 1975 to 1984 and primarily document his role as a legislator in the Illinois General Assembly. The materials are divided five series: the 79th G.A. (1975-1976); the 80th G.A. (1977-1978); the 81st G.A. (1979-1980); the 82nd G.A. (1981-1982); and a miscellaneous collection of papers (1975-1982). Within each series are subseries containing house and senate bills, subject files, constituent correspondence, publications, and press releases. The bills are organized by number; a short subject heading describes, in general, bill topics. Subject files document such topics as firemen and policemen pensions, optometric policies, education, and the equal rights amendment. Although there are separate files of constituent correspondence, some correspondence can be found in the bills and subject files as well. Publications and press releases include newspaper clippings that highlight portions of Ebbesen's career, reports on vocational education, school decentralization, criminal sentencing, and some legislative reports.

Dates

created: 1975-1984
Other: Date acquired: 03/13/1981

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions on access to the collection.

Conditions Governing Use

Property rights in the collection belong to the Regional History Center; literary rights are dedicated to the public.

Biographical or Historical Information

Joseph B. Ebbesen was born in DeKalb, Illinois on January 12, 1925. Ebbesen completed his undergraduate education at Northern Illinois University and received his Doctor of Optometry degree from the Illinois College of Optometry in 1951. During World War II, Ebbesen served three years in the United States Marine Corps. He is also a member of numerous business, professional, social, and fraternal organizations including: Fellowship in the American Academy of Optometry, American and Illinois Optometric Association, and the Northern Illinois Optometric Society. Ebbesen's interest and participation in community and political affairs began in the 1950's and has spanned thirty years. He has served six years on local Boards of Education; was a DeKalb City Councilman from 1961-1965; and served as Mayor of DeKalb, 1965-1969. Ebbesen was also Vice-President of the Illinois Municipal League and President of the Northern Illinois Mayors Association. He was first elected to the Illinois General Assembly in 1972 and served six consecutive terms in the Illinois House of Representative. Included among Ebbesen's major legislative interests are: pension reform, higher education, fiscal responsibility and public health issues. In 1977, the Illinois Political Action Committee and the Illinois Conservative Union gave Ebbesen their highest rating for a state legislator. Among Ebbesen's major accomplishments was the sponsorship of a bill, passed in 1978, to allow the use of marijuana in the treatment of glaucoma and to alleviate the side effects of chemotherapy.

Note written by

Extent

10.25 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Arrangement Note

The materials are divided five series: the 79th G.A. (1975-1976); the 80th G.A. (1977-1978); the 81st G.A. (1979-1980); the 82nd G.A. (1981-1982); and a miscellaneous collection of papers (1975-1982). The bills are organized by number;.